[For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Works as Rehabilitation
Origami is also being incorporated into rehabilitation for the elderly.
The process of folding, which engages the mind and uses the fingertips, appears to provide moderate stimulation to the brain and help activate it.
So this time, we’ll introduce origami that can be expected to have positive effects for rehabilitation.
We’ve gathered pieces with simple steps that are easy for older adults to try, as well as origami you can play with once it’s finished!
Origami offers a sense of accomplishment when a piece is completed, and because it’s familiar to many seniors, it can be enjoyed across generations.
Some older adults may find it difficult at first.
However, once they get used to it, gradually increasing the difficulty should make it even more enjoyable!
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[For Seniors] Fun Origami That Also Serves as Rehabilitation (41–50)
boat
For August indoor decorations and wall displays, you might choose an ocean theme.
In that case, let’s try making ships that sail across the vast sea using origami.
You can fold simple ships with easy steps, such as folding a triangular-cut piece of origami paper just once or using designs with few complex folds.
Try using double-sided colored or patterned paper, draw windows and other details on the folded ships with a pen, or add your favorite stickers.
With a bit of creativity, you’ll end up with even more charming ships.
Make and display various ships out of origami, and you’ll have lively, fun summer ocean decorations.
balloon goldfish
Some older adults may have fond memories of scooping goldfish at summer festival stalls, don’t you think? Watching goldfish gracefully swim in a tank can also evoke a refreshing, cool feeling.
Let’s help older adults feel the arrival of summer with goldfish origami.
If you make a goldfish that turns into a paper balloon, you can blow air into it to create a plump, adorable goldfish.
Try using origami in various colors, or with traditional Japanese patterns or polka dots.
You can create unique pieces that only origami can achieve.
Display them on the wall or paste them onto a backing shaped like an aquarium—your ideas will expand the possibilities of your creations.
Flower ball made with a circular craft punch
@ayawangpaper Candy-like Origami Kusudama | A small, cute flower ball made with a round craft punch | Origami Flower Ball | AyaWangPaper#diy#papercraft#origamitutorialOrigami Kusudama
2:23 AM – Sharo
Making flower balls using origami paper and a circular craft punch is a perfect idea for senior recreation.
With simple steps, you can create lots of brightly colored petals and combine them to form a three-dimensional kusudama.
Handwork helps stimulate the brain, and the finished piece looks gorgeous and gives a strong sense of accomplishment.
Working together as a group encourages conversation and makes for an enjoyable time, which is another appeal.
It’s easy for beginners to try, so it’s highly recommended.
Mini mini kusudama made with 4 cm origami paper
Here’s a kusudama made from small origami that we especially recommend for seniors who are skilled at origami.
The paper size is 4 cm.
Combine parts made with this paper size to create a mini kusudama.
Many kusudama units involve detailed folding.
When using smaller paper, you’ll use your fingertips even more dexterously.
If the senior enjoys origami, they’ll likely be able to focus and work on it intently.
With a slightly higher level of difficulty, they should feel an even greater sense of accomplishment when it’s finished.
kusudama ornament
Here’s an introduction to making a kusudama ornament out of origami.
During the Christmas season, ornaments are hung on trees and around the house, right? Depending on the design, ornaments can create a fun and festive atmosphere.
You can use either origami paper or construction paper.
Cut the paper into a circle and fold it several times.
Make five creases on the circular piece.
Of those five creases, apply glue to two of them, fold the piece in half with the glued creases on the inside.
Make 20 of these parts, then connect the parts by applying glue to the other three crease areas (the ones without glue) and attaching them together.
Once all the parts are assembled, you’ll have a charming ornament with a mesh-like pattern.
Since this involves steps beyond folding—like using scissors and glue—it offers plenty of hand and finger activity, making it suitable for older adults as well.
pomegranate
We are pleased to introduce “Pomegranate,” a craft project perfect for recreational activities for older adults, featuring enjoyable rounded shapes and vibrant colors.
By creating it in three dimensions, you can express the fruit’s plumpness and texture, resulting in a piece with a substantial, eye-catching appearance.
The steps of folding, layering, and assembling provide fine-motor exercise and are expected to help prevent cognitive decline.
They can also boost concentration, allowing for a calm, focused crafting time.
It’s easy to start and is a recommended project that lets you fully enjoy the fun of making and the delight of creativity.
A kusudama that bursts open like a flower blooming in an instant.
Let me introduce a kusudama that looks like it’s made of connected flowers.
It’s a gorgeous and cute piece, perfect for hanging as a decoration for the Peach Festival, and you can even arrange it into a kusudama bouquet.
Using a single sheet of origami, you fold both the petals and the parts that resemble stamens and pistils at the center of the flower.
Combine five of these units to complete one flower.
Even on its own, it makes an adorable origami flower.
Apply glue near the tips of the petals and connect the flowers to form the kusudama.
It really looks like a ball of blooming flowers, and I think even older adults would enjoy seeing the finished piece.